Fort Amherst (2): Difference between revisions
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The second attack coincided with the second Siege of [[Fortress Louisbourg]] in 1758. A small British fleet with 500 soldiers landed and took possession of Port la Joye where they built a new stockaded fortification. The British immediately began the deportation of some 3,000+ local Acadians who were accused of aiding the French. | The second attack coincided with the second Siege of [[Fortress Louisbourg]] in 1758. A small British fleet with 500 soldiers landed and took possession of Port la Joye where they built a new stockaded fortification. The British immediately began the deportation of some 3,000+ local Acadians who were accused of aiding the French. | ||
The new fort was built under the supervision of British Lieutenant [[William Spry]] and was completed on 10 Oct 1758. The fort was sited on a high hill overlooking the Harbor near where the original French fortifications had been located. The view of the harbor is breathtaking. The fort was a small stockaded earthworks post mounting some 18 cannons, four in each angle and two on the walls all surrounded by a dry ditch. The garrison was about | The new fort was built under the supervision of British Lieutenant [[William Spry]] and was completed on 10 Oct 1758. The fort was sited on a high hill overlooking the Harbor near where the original French fortifications had been located. The view of the harbor is breathtaking. The fort was a small stockaded earthworks post mounting some 18 cannons, four in each angle and two on the walls all surrounded by a dry ditch. The fort buildings included the commanding officer’s headquarters, officers’ quarters, bakehouse, forge, storehouse, and a prison. The garrison was about 190 soldiers rotated with fresh troops each year from [[Fortress Louisbourg]]. | ||
The Treaty of Paris (10 Feb 1763) ended the [[French & Indian War]]. The garrison Fort Amherst was reduced and the fort fell into disrepair. The government and the garrison at Fort Amherst | The Treaty of Paris (10 Feb 1763) ended the [[French & Indian War]]. The garrison Fort Amherst was reduced and the fort fell into disrepair. The government and the garrison at Fort Amherst were moved to Charlottetown in 1768. The palisade and buildings were demolished in the 1770s, by 1779 only the ditch and earthworks remained. | ||
== Current Status == | == Current Status == | ||
Revision as of 05:34, 12 July 2013
Fort Amherst (2) (1758-1768) - A British colonial fort established in 1758 during the French & Indian War in present day Queens County, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Established near the site of the French fortified Post at Port la Joye. Named for British Major General Jeffrey Amherst. Abandoned in 1768.
Fort Amherst (2) History
Part of the Harbor Defense of Charlottetown.
The French fortified Post at Port la Joye was established in 1720 and twice attacked by British troops and New England irregulars. The first attack coincided with the first Siege of Fortress Louisbourg in 1745 and the attackers were eventually driven back in 1746 after spending the winter at Port la Joye.
The second attack coincided with the second Siege of Fortress Louisbourg in 1758. A small British fleet with 500 soldiers landed and took possession of Port la Joye where they built a new stockaded fortification. The British immediately began the deportation of some 3,000+ local Acadians who were accused of aiding the French.
The new fort was built under the supervision of British Lieutenant William Spry and was completed on 10 Oct 1758. The fort was sited on a high hill overlooking the Harbor near where the original French fortifications had been located. The view of the harbor is breathtaking. The fort was a small stockaded earthworks post mounting some 18 cannons, four in each angle and two on the walls all surrounded by a dry ditch. The fort buildings included the commanding officer’s headquarters, officers’ quarters, bakehouse, forge, storehouse, and a prison. The garrison was about 190 soldiers rotated with fresh troops each year from Fortress Louisbourg.
The Treaty of Paris (10 Feb 1763) ended the French & Indian War. The garrison Fort Amherst was reduced and the fort fell into disrepair. The government and the garrison at Fort Amherst were moved to Charlottetown in 1768. The palisade and buildings were demolished in the 1770s, by 1779 only the ditch and earthworks remained.
Current Status
Part of Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic, Queens County, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The visitor center was closed on the day of our visit. No period guns or mounts visible. Numerous interpretive signs and markers placed around the site. The view of the harbor is breathtaking.
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Location: Rocky Point, Queens County, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Maps & Images Lat: 46.19717 Long: -63.13674 |
Sources:
Links:
- North American Forts - Fort Amherst (2)
- Parks Canada - Fort Amherst
- Wikipedia - Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst
- Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America - Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst
- Canada's Historic Places - Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site
Visited: 10 Jul 2013
Fort Amherst (2) Picture Gallery
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Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better! |